Wike Faulted NBA For Declaring That State Of Emergency In Rivers By Mr. President Was Illegal

Wike faulted NBA for declaring that state of emergency in Rivers by mr. President was illegal. The minister called on the Body of Benchers to call the NBA to order over the association’s unnecessary criticism of the judiciary.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has faulted the Nigeria Bar Association’s stand that the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu was unconstitutional and illegal.

Mr Wike alleged that the NBA discredited Mr Tinubu’s decision because the Rivers State Government promised to host their annual general conference.

The minister stated this when officials of the Body of Benchers, led by its Chairman, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), visited him in Abuja on Friday.

He added that the association did not support the declaration of the state of emergency because there would be no money to give to the NBA for the conference.
“What kind of hypocrisy is this?” he queried.

The minister called on the Body of Benchers to call the NBA to order over the association’s unnecessary criticism of the judiciary.
He said that the body should not sit and watch, while the NBA and its members destroy the legal profession.

He said that some of the members of NBA, often, without reading a judgement, go on national television to condemn the judgment and criticise the judges.
He noted that such actions have continued with no sanction.

He added, “If you don’t discipline somebody, nobody will learn any lesson. We shall no longer allow our profession to be pulled down. I cannot believe, as a lawyer, that you make a contribution to help the legal profession, and you will be criticised by your fellow lawyers. Sir, time has come that we need to say look, enough is enough.

We cannot continue to discourage our judges and justices. It is not done anywhere. I have never seen where members of a profession are the ones bent on bringing the profession down.’’

The minister also accused the NBA of describing any support rendered by the executive arm of government to the judicial arm as a bribe.

Mr Wike recalled that when NBA was building its national secretariat, the leadership wrote to the executive for support, adding that nobody saw that as a bribe.

He added, “I was the only one who contributed to the NBA to build the national secretariat. The NBA didn’t see it as a bribe.

Nyesom Wike

When you contribute to the Body of Benchers, it is a bribe, but when you contribute to the NBA it is not a bribe, they will take it. The same NBA will rely on state governments to sponsor their activities, but when the state government supports the judiciary it is bribery.’’

Mr Wike said that the constant taunting of judges and justices had made them avoid attending social gatherings or going to church or mosque for fear of molestation.

He added that judges could no longer shake people’s hands freely because lawyers would accuse them of collecting bribes.

He said, “It has gotten to the stage that our judges are so scared of going to a mosque or church or even greeting somebody they know because of fear of bribery.

They run away from shaking people’s hands because they will start accusing them of collecting brides. This must stop.’’

Tinubu urges Universities To Combat Insecurity With Technology

Tinubu urges universities to combat insecurity with technology. He said the world has gone beyond physical running around by security operatives carrying guns to trace criminals.

President Bola Tinubu has challenged Nigerian universities to develop technological tools necessary to enhance the detection and tracking of security breaches in the country.

Mr Tinubu made the call on Saturday at the  26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st combined convocation ceremony of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM) in Makurdi.

Represented by Tanko Ishaya, Vice Chancellor, University of Jos, Mr Tinubu said combating  insecurity in the 21st century has gone beyond the physical running around by security operatives carrying guns to trace criminals.
The president said that the world has advanced to a level that the country needs her universities to develop technology to help address the lingering security challenges.

“My administration is also not unaware of the security challenges faced by this university and is determined to continue to do its best to make all institutions of learning across the country conducive and safe for all learners and managers of educational institutions.

“Let me throw a challenge to our academics who need to work and develop tools and materials necessary to enhance the detection and tracking of security breaches to make our country safe.

“The combat of insecurity in the 21st century has gone beyond the physical running around by security operatives carrying guns to trace crime perpetrators.

“Our universities should therefore be engaged in research aimed at the production and utilisation of drones and other technology-driven solutions to help combat the menace of insecurity on our campuses and beyond.

“The Nigerian military is doing an excellent job in this direction, and we shall continue to support them in all ramifications,” he said.
Mr Tinubu stated that his administration would continue to give education a priority with improved funding through capital appropriation and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

He, however, urged the managers of the universities to be accountable and prudent in the application of the resources available to them.

The president described universities of agriculture as specialised universities that must also key into the agriculture and livestock transformation effort of his administration for maximum impact.

“The concept of agriculture as a food producing tool cannot continue to be relegated to the subsistence level if we are to ensure food security for our people.

“Commercial and mechanised agriculture must become our way of life.

Tinubu

“The training of manpower in agriculture, collaboration with organisations, and the development and release of improved crop varieties by the university should be consistent to align with the policy of my administration to tackle and address national food insecurity.

“The title of the convocation lecture “The Complex Relationship Between Insecurity and Food Systems in Nigeria” is well chosen to enlighten everyone on the menace of food shortfalls and its complexities.

“Once again, I commend the various collaborators who have continued to interface with the university towards the actualisation of the federal government agenda for national self-sufficiency in food production and job creation and enjoin you to do even better,” he said.

He commended the efforts of the JOSTUM management to bring in innovations and development in spite of the global economic recession and insecurity being experienced around the world, including Nigeria.

Mr Tinubu said that the FG realised that education and security were the best tools for development and civilisation in any society.

The president congratulated the graduates and urged them to use their wealth of knowledge in contemporary skills in agriculture to provide services and expertise that would create wealth for them. and employment for youths.

Women To Take Charge, Not To Wait For Leadership Roles: TUC

Women to take charge, not to wait for leadership roles. She also stressed the importance of mentorship and grassroots economic empowerment.

The chairperson of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) FCT Women’s Commission, Sandra Ogbonna, has urged women to take deliberate steps towards leadership through proactive action rather than waiting for opportunities.

Mrs Ogbonna made this call at the International Women’s Day 2025 celebration with the theme “Accelerate Action Towards Occupying Positions of Authority” in Abuja on Saturday.
She stated that leadership positions must be actively pursued, as they are not freely given.

Mrs Ogbonna noted the persistent gender gap in leadership, noting that in spite of women’s contributions, decision-making spaces remain dominated by men.
She called on women to equip themselves with knowledge, support one another, challenge barriers, and advocate for policy reforms that promote inclusivity.

“We must break self-imposed limitations and take our rightful place in leadership,” she said, encouraging women to engage in governance and politics.

She also urged members of the TUC Women’s Commission to participate actively in discussions and decision-making processes.

The secretary of the commission, Uche Ukachukwu, underscored the importance of resilience and leadership in advancing women’s empowerment.
Ms Ukachukwu stressed that women’s achievements must never be overlooked.
“The knowledge we gain in spaces like this is invaluable, you may not realise its significance now, but one day, you will,” she said.

She reaffirmed the TUC’s commitment to celebrating women’s contributions and urged attendees to reflect, learn, and continue pushing for gender equality.
“Resilience is key to overcoming obstacles and making a lasting impact,” she added.

The chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT chapter, Grace Ike, called on women to be intentional in supporting one another, stressing that mere lip service will not drive progress in gender parity.

Reflecting on her own journey, she acknowledged the support she received from women like the union’s secretary but emphasised that such support must be based on merit rather than emotion or gender solidarity.

“Without even questioning my competence, she supported me simply because she believed in women. But beyond that, we must ensure that the women we support are capable.

“We should not blindly follow someone just because she is a woman. Let us do our due diligence, and if she is competent, why not support her?” Ms Ike stated.

She criticised women who refuse to support other women due to personal interests, describing them as obstacles to real progress.
She cited an instance within the NUJ where some men were more willing to back a female candidate than certain women, one of whom openly opposed her candidacy.

“The men said, ‘Women don’t support women,’ but we proved them wrong. However, one woman insisted that unless it was her preferred candidate, she would never support another woman.

“Ironically, this same woman now holds a leadership position, despite once fighting against another woman’s rise,” Ms Ike revealed.

Calling for a shift from performative activism to measurable action, she urged women to evaluate their impact before each Women’s Day celebration.

“We must not just gather every year to talk. By 2026, we should be able to point to tangible achievements from 2025. How many women did we uplift? Who did we empower? If we do not have results, then we are merely running in circles,” she said.

Ms Ike proposed initiatives such as legislative advocacy, gender-sensitive laws, and lobbying for special seats for women in political and decision-making spaces.
She also stressed the importance of mentorship and grassroots economic empowerment.

“It is not about having millions. Have you given a woman ₦20,000 to start a petty trade? Have you given ₦5,000 to help someone start a small recharge card business? These are the real actions that change lives,” she argued.

She warned against hypocrisy in the women’s movement, vowing to expose those who claim to support gender equality but work against it in private.

“If I were to conduct investigative journalism, I would visit people’s homes and ask about them. That is how we will identify those who merely hold microphones and talk but do nothing for women,” she added.

Ms Ike called for a new, action-driven movement, suggesting that the phrase “women supporting women” might be too long and instead advocating for “She for She” as a rallying call.

TUC

“At the current rate, gender parity will not be achieved until 2158. This delay is unacceptable. We must act decisively. Enough of the talk—let’s make women’s support intentional and impactful,” she declared.

The FCT chairman of the TUC commission, Paul Audu, called for urgent action to dismantle barriers preventing women from occupying leadership positions.

He praised the resilience and dedication of women across all sectors, emphasising their role in national development.
Mr Audu acknowledged that in spite of some progress, leadership spaces remain disproportionately occupied by men.

“Talent is not gendered! Competence knows no chromosomes! Yet, systemic barriers continue to hold back the incredible potential of our women,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the trade union movement’s commitment to equality, stressing that empowering women strengthens workplaces, policies, and society as a whole.

“This is not just about fairness; it’s about progress,” he declared, urging intentional efforts to create space for women in decision-making roles.
He urged everyone to accelerate change by challenging the status quo and actively dismantling barriers that hinder women’s advancement.

Mr Audu reaffirmed the union’s commitment to being a driving force for gender equality, stating that real progress will only come when women’s voices are heard at the highest levels.